This resource guide produced by the RESNA Technical Assistance Project provides information about assistive technology and home modifications. The guide covers definitions; laws and guidelines; initiatives from the Assistive Technology Act grantees; advocacy, financing, modification, and research resources; accreditations; online courses; and a bibliography. For more information about this product or other services of the RESNA Technical Assistance Project, please link to the project’s Internet homepage at http://www.resnaprojects.org/nattap
or call (703) 524-6686.

Assistive technology and home modifications have the potential to increase independence, safety, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Many people may become trapped in their homes or locked out because of a disability that prevents them for being able to physically access their home. Assistive technology such as environmental control units that allow a person with a disability to turn on and off lights, answer the telephone, and open the door can increase independence. Home modifications such as ramped porches, wide hallways/doorways within homes, and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and bath chairs can provide for safety and independence as well as "aging in place" for individuals with disabilities and the elderly.

What is meant by these terms when discussing the housing needs of individuals with disabilities and the elderly?

Universal Design (UD): "The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." (Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University).

Accessible design generally refers to houses or other dwellings that meet specific requirements for accessibility. These requirements are found in state, local, model building codes, and the regulations of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards A117.1-1998, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. These regulations, guidelines, and laws dictate standard dimensions and features such as door widths, clear space for wheelchair mobility, countertop heights for sinks and kitchens, audible and visual signals, grab bars, switch and outlet height, and more.

Adaptable design allows some features of a building or dwelling to be changed to address the needs of an individual with a disability or a person encountering mobility limitations as he/she ages. Essential design elements such as wider doorways and halls and barrier-free entrances are included as integral features, while provisions are made for features to be "adapted" (modified or added) as needed. To meet the definition of "adaptable," the change must be able to be made quickly without the use of skilled labor and without changing the inherent structure of the materials. For example, bathroom walls may be designed with additional supports for the future installation of grab bars. Cabinets under sinks can be designed to be removable whereby the storage space under the sinks are replaced for knee space for a wheelchair user.

Visitable refers to homes that are not only accessible to guests with disabilities visiting the homes of nondisabled hosts, but to the future needs of the nondisabled residents as well. "Visitability" is an advocacy movement proposing that when topographically feasible, basic access to all new homes is a civil right. Access features essential to visitable homes are a zero-step entrance, accessible hallways, and bathrooms with doors wide enough for a wheelchair user to enter. Such features make a home visitable to guests with disabilities and can help a resident adapt in his/her home should the resident’s needs change due to a disability or reduced mobility.

Seven Principles of Universal Design

Equitable Use: Useful and marketable to people with diverse
abilities.

Flexibility in Use: Accommodates a wide range of individual
preferences
and abilities.

Simple and Intuitive Use: Easy to understand, regardless of the
user's
experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration
level.

In 1988, Congress expanded Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968—that prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin—to include these protections for individuals with disabilities. The purposes of the FHAA are: (1) to end segregation of the housing available to individuals with disabilities, (2) to give these individuals the right to choose where they wish to live, and (3) to require reasonable accommodation to their needs in securing and enjoying appropriate housing. This third purpose—reasonable accommodation— is essential in securing compliance with the first two purposes—nondiscrimination and choice.

To address the how-to’s in making reasonable accommodations outlined in the FHAA,
HUD published the FHAG on March 6, 1991 and the law became effective for multifamily residences begun or occupied for the first time after March 13, 1991. HUD’s Fair Housing Offices will answer questions about the guidelines at their Office of Program Compliance: 202/708-2618; 202/708-1734 (TTY). Questions and answers about the Guidelines are also available at: http://www.hud.gov:80/fhe/fhefhasp.html

The seven requirements of the FHAG are: (1) a building entrance wide enough for a wheelchair accessed via a route without steps (unless prohibited by terrain); (2) accessible public and common-use areas, (3) accessible route into and through all dwelling units, (4) accessible switches and controls, (5) reinforcement of bathroom walls for installation of grab bars, (6) doors wide enough for passage by an individual in a wheelchair, and (7) kitchens and bathrooms with wheelchair maneuverability about the space.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 requires recipients of federal funds to make their programs and activities accessible to individuals with disabilities, including housing programs. This law applies only to landlords that receive federal funds, including public housing authorities (PHAs) and federally subsidized housing development landlords. Section 504 also requires that for new construction at least 5 percent of units have extensive access features for individuals with mobility difficulties.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This part of the ADA applies similar requirements as that of Section 504 to housing programs funded by state and local governments and state-funded and local-government funded public housing programs and their agencies, including PHAs. It also covers private, affordable housing developments receiving state funding, such as housing developments financed by a State Housing Agency.

These housing laws may overlap in their coverage with some types of housing covered by only one of the laws, while some housing may be subject to two or all three of them. For example, Section 504 will not cover housing created by a town using its own tax money, but the FHA and the ADA will apply. Housing that is provided by the state but receives some kind of federal financial assistance will be subject to all three laws. Drop-in centers for mental health consumers and shelters for people who are homeless or victims of abuse are also covered by the ADA and/or the FHA. The law that applies depends on the funding sources and how the entities operate.

U.S. Legislative Accessible Housing Successes

Small but significant legislative victories mandating access features in single-family homes have been made.

The Assistive Technology for Kansans Project (ATK) and the AT Access Sites
are part of a grassroots legislative network that worked on passing the
Kansas Visitability Bill, HB 2020. Effective on July 1,
2002, the bill passed the Kansas House with a unanimous vote on May 14, 2002
and the Kansas Senate with 39 in favor and only 1 opposed. The access
features the bill requires are: a step-free entrance (side, back, front, and
garage) on an accessible route; all wide doors on the accessible floor;
accessible path within/through the dwelling's accessible floor;
reinforcements of specific bathroom walls in the bathroom on the accessible
floor; electrical/environmental controls located in useable/accessible
heights/locations on the accessible floor. The bill covers newly constructed
single-family, duplex, and triplex dwellings constructed with any type of
assistance from the state or administered by the state. The state estimated
that the total number of units covered would be approximately 40-60 a year.
Passing the bill took four years of labor-intensive education and persuasion
on the part of Kansas advocates, many of whom are members of the national
organization Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (DRACH).

Effective on July 21, 2001, the Minnesota Visitability Law mandates that all
new construction of single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and multilevel
townhouses that are financed in whole or in part by the Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency (MHFA) must incorporate basic visitability access into their
design and construction. The specific design elements include one no-step
entrance, 32-inch clear doorways throughout the dwelling, and a one-half
bathroom on the main level. The agency may waive the one-half bathroom
requirement if it reduces affordability for the targeted population of the
agency program from which it is funded. The agency may waive the no-step
entrance requirement if site conditions make the requirement impractical or
if it reduces affordability for the targeted population of the agency
program from which it is funded.

In February 2002, in Pima County, AZ, an Inclusive Home Design Ordinance,
originally called a "visitability code," passed. It requires wider doorways, levers on some doors, a zero-step entrance, and reinforcement on bathroom walls for future grab bar installation. The measure will be phased in over a 12-to-18-month period so people can
plan accordingly.

In February 2002, the Naperville City Council in Illinois voted 7-1 to
require that all new homes in the city include reinforced bathroom walls for
handrails, wider doors on the first floor and lower electrical outlets and
light switches that can be reached by individuals in wheelchairs.

In April 2000, Vermont passed far-sweeping legislation, making it the first
state that required accessibility requirements to all new one-, two-, and
three-bedroom housing units built on speculation in the state, including
townhouses and condominiums. While the visitability feature of a zero-step
entrance was not mandated, the Vermont Assistive Technology Project will
collaborate with many state agencies to create and disseminate educational
materials explaining the advantages of visitable homes, including zero-step
entrances. More information.

Since 1999, Bolingbrook, IL (a suburb outside of Chicago), builders are
complying with a Visitability voluntary policy, either because they have
become converts to Visitability or because they gather that if they do not
comply, the mayor of this town will use his already-demonstrated influence
to effect an actual code change. Besides leadership from the mayor and
support from a few builders, the other
key ingredient in Bolingbrook's Visitability reality is the effectiveness of
a local citizen, Edward Bannister, who has long been active in local and
statewide civic affairs. He became aware of Visitability in 1997, sent for
the Concrete Change video, Building Better Neighborhoods to
use in his
education campaign, and approached politicians to propose an ordinance or
code change.

Bolingbrook's achievement was, the first directive in effect in the United
States specifying a zero-step entrance and 32-inch clearance through
interior passage doors in every new single-family detached dwelling in a
city or town. Additional required features include blocking in bathroom
walls to support grab bars as needed; at least one bathroom/powder room,
including at least one toilet, on the dwelling floor nearest to grade level;
and halls at least 42 inches wide.

In Florida, a 1989 state law requires a bathroom door width of no less than 29 inches clear passage space in every new home that has a ground-floor bathroom.

A city ordinance in Atlanta, GA mandates that all builders of new single-family dwellings, duplexes, or triplexes receiving any financial benefit from or through the city (such as impact-fee waivers, CDBG funds, etc.) must meet several basic access requirements, including at least one no-step entrance and adequate interior door widths.

In May 1999, the Texas Ordinance required similar construction requirements for single-family housing funded with state or federal funds.

Housing Law in Great Britain

The most significant housing law outside the United States is that passed in March 1998 by the British Parliament mandating that every new home built in the United Kingdom, beginning in late1999, have sufficiently wide halls and interior doorways, a downstairs bathroom, one entrance without steps except in the small percentage of lots where topography prohibits, and several other access features. For further information, see Concrete Change’s web site: http://concretechange.home.mindspring.com

The 56 AT Act Grantees (one in every U.S. state, territory, and commonwealth) are funded under the AT Act of 1998 through the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The purpose of these grants is to increase the awareness, use, and funding both for AT services and products for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Several of the grantees have initiated housing projects in their states. Grantees working on housing activities, will share these with the RESNA Technical Assistance Project which will be posted on the Technical Assistance website. A list of all the AT Act Grantees are available from the RESNA Technical Assistance Project website at http://www.resnaprojects.org/nattap/scripts/nattapcontacts.pl. Below are listed a few examples:

http://www.rehab.state.al.us/star
This AT Act Grantee includes programs on accessible housing opportunities at its conference workshops, in its newsletter, and I&R. STAR seeks to create community interest in developing accessible and affordable housing. Mobile Accessible Housing, Inc. was formed from a consumer group and STAR-facilitated a partnership with Volunteers of America. In addition, a HUD Section 811 grant was obtained and a 14-unit apartment complex is under construction.

Arizona Technology Access Program (AZTAP)http://www.nau.edu/~ihd/aztap
This project has published the Navajo Nation "Guidelines Documents for
Contracting for Renovations and New Home Construction.

Colorado Assistive Technology Partnershttp://www.assistivetechnologypartners.org
The Colorado Assistive Technology Partners site features an Adapted Home that provides house
plans, independent living tips for cleaning and storage and for dining and
cooking, as well as independent living aids for personal grooming and
clothing and dressing.

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI)http://www.asel.udel.edu/dati/
DATI provided a supplement to the Delaware AT funding guide focusing on
architectural barriers and home modifications (funded by Delaware
Developmental Disabilities Council and Delaware Division of Mental
Retardation).

Florida Alliance for Assistive Service and Technology (FAAST)http://faast.org
FAAST provides training on the Federal Fair Housing Accessibility
Guidelines, assisted Dade County in hiring a skilled AT specialist for
accessible housing needs, renovated an accessible model apartment, works
with Broward County Community Development for barrier-free housing, and
offers a home modifications and universal design workshop.

Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP)

http://www.ets.uidaho.edu/idatech
HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) Waiver for Older Persons is an ongoing initiative. This waiver is a Medicaid reform being implemented by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to establish an HCBS-waiver program that includes 14 new services for older persons and individuals with mental illness. IATP staff has collaborated with advocacy groups to successfully resist efforts within Medicaid to remove the broad definition of AT devices and services and home modifications that the project had added to the waiver application in 1998. The older person waiver program is being phased in across Idaho over the year 2000, starting in southeast Idaho.

IPAT will provide technical assistance to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to develop HUD-funded trainings for consumers on accessibility for multifamily housing. In addition, IPAT was part of a joint coalition, composed of Iowa disability and state organizations and the Department of Architecture at Iowa State University, to produce a guide, What the Law Requires: Accessible Multi-family Housing in Iowa. The guide was written for owners, developers, architects, engineers, builders, building contractors, anyone who designs or builds multi-family housing. The guide is available at http://www.uiowa.edu/infotech/housingaccess.htm

Assistive Technology for Kansans Projecthttp://www.atk.lsi.ukans.edu
The Kansas AT Project and the Centers for Independent Living started a home
accessibility grant program, Kansas Accessibility with Modification Program
(KAMP). This project, begun in 2000, is aimed at all Kansans of all ages who
need to make their homes accessible. Home modifications are limited to
$5,000 for a homeowner and $2,500 for a person renting property. In Kansas,
approximately 76 percent of persons with disabilities are unemployed or
underemployed or receive a fixed disability income. Therefore, these
individuals are unlikely to afford the necessary modifications without
assistance. To operate the program, the Centers for Independent Living,
Areas Agencies on Aging, and the Kansas AT Project staff are providing
on-site evaluations, arranging for home modifications, and verifying the
completion of work. KAMP also promotes independence under the U.S. Supreme
Court's Olmstead decision, which supports the most integrated
community-based settings for individuals with disabilities.

The Assistive Technology for Kansans Project (ATK) and the AT Access Sites
are part of a grassroots legislative network that worked on passing the
Kansas Visitability Bill, HB 2020. Effective on July 1,
2002, the bill passed the Kansas House with a unanimous vote on May 14, 2002
and the Kansas Senate with 39 in favor and only 1 opposed. The access
features the bill requires are: a step-free entrance (side, back, front, and
garage) on an accessible route; all wide doors on the accessible floor;
accessible path within/through the dwelling's accessible floor;
reinforcements of specific bathroom walls in the bathroom on the accessible
floor; electrical/environmental controls located in useable/accessible
heights/locations on the accessible floor. The bill covers newly constructed
single-family, duplex, and triplex dwellings constructed with any type of
assistance from the state or administered by the state. The state estimated
that the total number of units covered would be approximately 40-60 a year.
Passing the bill took four years of labor-intensive education and persuasion
on the part of Kansas advocates, many of whom are members of the national
organization Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (DRACH).

Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network http://www.katsnet.org
In March 2001, the Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation (KATLC)
approved a home modification loan through a new program with the
Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC). Under this pilot project, KHC has
made $125,000 available for home modification loans for individuals
with disabilities. The loans will be issued at a rate of 4 percent
interest. KATLC will process the applications, help determine
eligibility, and assist the applicant with identifying a qualified
contractor, if such assistance needed. If the program is deemed
successful at the end of the six months, it will continue
indefinitely. This is a unique collaboration that greatly expands
Kentucky's assistive technology loan programs.

Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MTAP)http://www.mdtap.org
MTAP, in a cooperative effort with the Maryland Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS), has produced the Maryland Home Modifications Directory. The Directory contains resources in Maryland for making a home accessible to persons with disabilities, including an interactive on-line database at:
http://www.dors.state.md.us/homemods.html.

Massachusetts Assistive Technology Project

http://www.matp.org
MATP offers a Home Modification Loan Program and provides technical assistance to the Executive Office of MA Health and Human Services on the design and implementation of the home modification loan program.

Missouri Assistive Technologyhttp://www.at.mo.gov
The Missouri project passed state legislation establishing a low-interest
loan program for purchase of AT and home modifications with appropriations
of $500,000 state match. The staff are also involved with a Universal Design
Housing Project, composed of applicable agencies and professionals, formed
in 1998, to educate the public and encourage more new home construction
utilizing UD features with media coverage. The UD Housing Project plans to
conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for a UD home in partnership with Habitat
for Humanity and members of the Kansas City Police Department. In addition,
the project introduced a tax credit bill for anyone building a UD home in
Missouri.

Nebraska Assistive Technology Partnership

http://www.edneb.org/ATP/TECHome.html
The Nebraska project provides assessments for viable assistive technology (AT) and home modification alternatives to increase the availability of alternative long-term care options for the elderly and persons with disabilities. In Nebraska, AT and home modifications are recognized by their inclusion as core services of the comprehensive long-term care system. If appropriate, AT or home modifications can be provided to keep the person with a disability in his/her home, living independently.

Making Homes Accessible (MHA) is a conditional grant program in Nebraska that helps people with disabilities make their homes accessible via housing rehabilitation and new additions. A lien is placed against the property but is forgiven after five years. If the house is sold before that time (or the tenant moves out), a prorated payback is required.

HomeChoice (funded through Fannie Mae) is another Nebraska program for single-family mortgage loans developed by Fannie Mae and the Nebraska Home of Your Own (HOYO) coalition to meet the mortgage underwriting needs of low- and moderate-income individuals with disabilities living with them.

The Nebraska project also worked with the Developmental Disabilities System, the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, Commercial Federal Bank, and others to create this program. The Nebraska AT Partnership provides administrative and technical support to identify necessary modifications and costs and to ensure the property complies with housing quality standards and housing preservation guidelines.

Lastly, the Nebraska project is working on the Homestead Exemption Act (expanding eligibility) definition to include more people with disabilities. The exemption will lessen taxes for homeowners and enhance their ability to afford a home of their own.

New Hampshire Technology Partnership Projecthttp://iod.unh.edu/projects/assist.htm#nhatpp
The project submitted a proposal for $50,000 to the New Hampshire Housing
and Finance Authority for home modifications for seniors wanting to remain
in their homes vs. nursing homes.

New Mexico Technology Assistance Programhttp://www.nmtap.com
The New Mexico project works on home accessibility in rural areas,
especially in Native American communities.

North Carolina Assistive Technology Projecthttp://www.mindspring.com/~ncatp
This project works with the Center for Universal Design (Raleigh) on their
Habitat for Humanity project, develops public awareness materials for home
modification funding options, and develops awareness by credit unions for
the need for home modification funding.

Oklahoma ABLE Techhttp://okabletech.okstate.edu/
Through its Assistive Technology Lending Program, the Oklahoma project
provides low-interest loans to individuals with disabilities or for persons
who have a dependent with a disability residing in Oklahoma to purchase AT
devices and services, modify equipment, or make adaptations in their homes,
at work, in school, or in leisure activities.

Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)http://www.temple.edu/inst_disabilities/piat
PIAT's offers an Access Home Modification Loan Program, administered by
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority, to provide interest-free deferred
loans of $1,000-$10,000 for first-time buyers to make accessible home
modifications. The project participates with the Pennsylvania AT Foundation
that developed the Pennsylvania Access Grant Program ($1.85 M)-provides
grants to eligible applicants (redevelopment authorities and municipalities)
to help low- and moderate-income persons with permanent disabilities
increase accessibility to their homes. The project educates the housing
"system" and related stakeholders on the benefit and availability of AT to
improve home accessibility for Pennsylvanians who are elderly and those with
disabilities.

South Dakota Assistive Technology Project (DakotaLink)http://dakotalink.tie.net
DakotaLink has published a Community Options Technology Project (CTOP)-final
report on the cost-benefit data on home modifications vs. nursing home
housing for nine individuals. The findings of the report are that nursing
home placements can be avoided and/or substantially delayed through the use
of assistive technology devices and services.

Vermont Assistive Technology Project

(VATP)
http://www.dad.state.vt.us/atp
IN 1999, VATP initiated a "rental unit study bill" (S. 174) with the Vermont legislature to mandate minimal accessibility standards in all new 1-, 2-, and 3-family housing units built on speculation in the state. Known as the "Visitability" standard bill, VATP negotiated with their legislature to add language to the rental study that would include aspects of disability access. A 1999 task force was established to work on this study. The task force consisted of representatives from the Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the Council of Vermont Elders, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, the Vermont Center for Independent Living, the Disability Law Project, the Vermont Contractors Association, and low-income housing advocates.

The agreements reached by this task force resulted in the passage of H. 612 on April 27, 2000. H. 612 mandates accessibility requirements for all new residential housing (including townhouses, condominiums, etc.) constructed in Vermont. Besides basic visitability features, the law directs VATP to work with the Department of Labor and Industry, Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and representatives from the homebuilding industry to create educational materials that explain the new construction standards and the advantages of "visitable" homes. VATP will be the lead agency in the production and dissemination of the educational materials.

HUD's People with Disabilities Site http://www.hud.gov/fhe/fheacss.html
HUD launched a new web site in early 2001 to better explain the rights of
people with disabilities who are seeking housing and the responsibilities of
those who house them. This site provides a wealth of practical information
about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The site contains
information on modification funds, advocacy agencies, guidelines, disability
rights in housing programs, accessible housing designs, model building
codes, and a Q&A section.

HUD also provides accessible housing designs. For a table with HUD’s 800 numbers for numerous departments, see: http://www.hud.gov/800num1.html. Below are listed a few key HUD resources:

HUD User
P.O. Box 6091
Rockville, MD 20850
800/245-2691 (V); http://www.huduser.org
A source for federal government reports and research literature on accessible design and housing for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Publications can be searched for and ordered from HUD USER or online.

RSA, part of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services, funds Independent Living Centers (ILCs). ILCs provide training and technical assistance to Statewide ILC Councils, businesses, consumers, and others on independent living resources. ILCs help identify accessible housing in their communities as well as advocate for such. A list of ILCs is available from the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) project at: 713/797-5283; 713/520-5785 (Fax); http://www.ilru.org/jump1.htm

Federal Grantees

The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) funds two Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs) on Universal Design and the Built Environment and another RERC on Aging, all of which include housing initiatives. Their contact information is listed below; descriptions can be found on their web sites:

(Health and Human Services/Administration on Developmental Disabilities), Information & Referral, 800/220-8770; http://alliance.unh.edu
Although this project is no longer funded, an I&R toll-free number and web site are still operational.

National Fair Housing Advocate Online

(HUD)http://www.fairhousing.com
This site has a digest of current news stories and articles from U.S. newspapers and journals about issues on housing for people with disabilities and housing discrimination. The site also has current and back issues of the National Fair Housing Advocate newsletter. The Tennessee Fair Housing Council maintains the site (with HUD funding), and the site has a search engine. The web site has hot links for finding private fair housing agencies and public fair housing enforcement agencies throughout the United States.

AEC is a nonprofit organization offering consultation, workshops, course, conferences, and resource materials on accessible and adaptive design and accessibility legislation, standards, and guidelines. Among many federal and private grants and contracts, the Center has initiated the following two projects on UD: (1) Universal Design Education Project (UDEP) and (2) the Access to Design Professions. AEC sponsors, along with the Center on Universal Design, an International UD Conference.

ASI is a nonprofit organization that provides accessible, affordable housing and support services for adults with mobility impairments and /or brain injuries through the development, ownership, and cost-effective operation of cooperatively managed housing and supportive care services. ASI publishes a newsletter, Friends of Accessible Space that highlights accessible housing projects throughout the United States.

AAHSA is part of the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA). The mission of IAHSA is to promote quality services and products to assist the aging, frail elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association dedicated to shaping and enriching the experience
of aging for its members and for all Americans. AARP offers numerous publications and videos
on making homes accessible to both the elderly and individuals with disabilities. (See Resources
in Bibliography section.) AARP also offers a Home Equity Conversion Information Kit
(D15601)--includes a 47-page consumer guide about Reverse Mortgages (RMs) called "Home-Made Money" and several fact sheets.

Fixing to Stay: A National Survey on Housing and Home Modification Issues, an AARP survey, found 83
percent of Americans age 45 and older said they would like to live in their
current homes as long as possible. However, almost one in four expect that
someone in their household will have trouble getting around that home within
the next five years. The solution may be the latest in universal design
concepts, modifications that make the home friendlier, safer, and even more
attractive. These elements are highlighted at AARP Webplace's(tm)
universal design site. A recent addition to the site is the AARP Universal
Design House Virtual Tour, which features an interactive tour of four homes.

AOTA’s mission is to support a professional community of members and to develop and preserve the viability and relevance of the profession. The organization has produced a video on home modification, Changing Needs, Changing Homes: Adapting Your Home to Fit You.

ASAP is a division of Steven Winter Associates (SWA), a design firm with expertise on state-of-the-art design for individuals with disabilities and knowledge of universal design for advanced elements of buildings. SWA researched and wrote Cost of Accessible Housing in 1993 for HUD as well as several others on universal design and accessible housing.

Comprehensive Assessment and Solution Process for Aging Residents (CASPAR)http://www.ehls.com/caspar/caspar.html
CASPAR is an innovative and tested process for assessing homes and
specifying modifications. It is based on the experience of EHLS and developed with a Small Business Innovative
Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The goal of Concrete Change is to make all homes visitable. Concrete Change’s web site also showcases pictures of the first accessible gingerbread house, built by the Disability Rights Center, Rochester, NY, as their entry into the 1998 Rochester annual gingerbread art display. The organization produces a video, "Building Better Neighborhoods."

CCD is a national coalition of consumer, advocacy, provider, and professional organizations who advocate on behalf of people of all ages with disabilities and their families. CCD created the CCD Housing Task Force to focus specifically on housing issues that affect people with disabilities. The Task Force works with Congress and HUD to increase access to decent, safe, and affordable housing for all people with disabilities and to protect the rights guaranteed under the Fair Housing Act. The CCD Housing Task Force, in collaboration with the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. publishes Opening Doors, a quarterly newsletter on these housing issues. (See below under Bibliography, Periodicals/Newsletters.)

Easter Seals provides several resources on their "Easy Access Housing" web page, accessed through their "Resource Room," containing information on adaptable and accessible housing, adaptation tips, a checklist for families, housing design, awards program, and other resources. All of these materials can also be ordered from the organization.

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat’s "First Ability House" was constructed from May 31-June 4, 1999 for an Alabama man who uses a wheelchair. This fully accessible house was conceived by Ability Magazine and sponsored by BellSouth, BellSouth Pioneers, and Target. The "Ability House" will be a model for future accessible Habitat houses.

IDEA-Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access

School of Architecture & Planning
State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214-3087
716/829-3485; 716/829-3256 (Fax); http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/~idea

IDEA is dedicated to improving the design of environments and products by making them more usable, safer, and appealing to people with a wide range of abilities, throughout their life span. Home modification is featured as an aspect of architecture and planning. This site also hosts the Home Modification list information (send e-mail to listserv@listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu with the message "Subscribe homemodifications-list yournamehere" and no subject).

ILSA is the premier national organization promoting successful independent
living throughout the course of people's lives. ILSA has broad membership
including Independent Living Strategists, interested citizens, supporting
agencies and nonprofits as well as businesses and industries and others
whose interests are tied to successful aging and successful aging in place.
This includes product manufacturers, home health businesses, insurers,
telemedicine and durable medical equipment suppliers, consumer
organizations, builders, interior designers, occupational therapists, etc.
Independent Living Strategists assist people to identify issues and then
recommend design changes and equipment to support beautiful, comfortable,
and safe independent living. The strategist's work creates a bridge between
the health and home industries.

IDSA's Universal Design Special Interest Section has nearly 500 members, including elders, future elders, people with disabilities, and people who are "temporarily able-bodied." The mission of the UD Design Section is to promote those aspects of design that consider the needs of all possible users equally, regardless of age or ability.

NHMAC forms coalitions that bring together senior organizations, geriatric social workers, housing agencies, advocates for individuals with disabilities, healthcare organizations, builders, surveyors of building supplies, and home repair contractors and others. The project supports "Promoting Successful Aging in Place," to increase the availability of home modifications for frail older and individuals with disabilities to offer them the choice to age in place and the provision of care in a supportive environment

The website is designed to promote the Center activities and staff
achievements, research projects, published work and upcoming publications.
It will provide a clearer understanding of what NRCSHHM is about, and our
involvement.

The Center’s mission is to make supportive housing and home modification a more integral component of successful aging, long-term care, preventive health, and the development of elder-friendly communities. The Center offers practical strategies and materials for policymakers, practitioners, consumers, manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers. The Center also offers online courses on home modifications and supportive housing designed for case managers, service providers, I&R specialists, occupational and physical therapists, and social workers. Students will be awarded an Executive Certificate in Home Modification from the University of Southern California.

A previous website is still active, only the title is changed to just "homemods.org". It will continue to serve as an online resource to disseminate home modification and related information to a wider range of visitors.

This national volunteer organization, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the houses of low-income homeowners, particularly individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and families with children.

This web site provides an Accessibility Currents section on "Gracious Accommodations." The two projects profiled earned honors in the 1996 "Easy Access Housing Design Awards," sponsored by Easter Seals, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation, and the American Institute of Architects.

Udhomes.com is a cooperative service of those committed to designing the
American Dream for every American. This organization was formed when the
Philip Stephen Companies, Inc. and HomeStyles, Inc. joined together. The
site has people-friendly home plans and the resources needed to build UD
homes.

The Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides state-of-the-art technical assistance and training to housing and human service organizations so they may achieve positive outcomes in their work on behalf of people with disadvantaged and/or disabled. In a joint effort with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, this organization also publishes a quarterly newsletter, Opening Doors (See Bibliography, Periodicals/Newsletters below).

UDC is a private architectural firm specializing in accessible design for the commercial and residential industries. UDC has been awarded several federal grants in accessible design, including a subcontract with the new RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment at SUNY/Buffalo. UDC publishes a quarterly publication, Universal Design Newsletter.

State & Local Governments

The following state and local government entities offer housing assistance: (1) Local Area Agencies on Aging, (2) State Departments on Aging, (3) State Housing Finance Agencies, (4) Departments of Public Works, and (5) Departments of Community Development that manage State Block Grant Programs. Information on these Block Grant Programs is available from Community Connections: 800/998-9999. Some of the areas Community Development Block Grants funds can be used are: (1) housing rehabilitation loans and grants for rental housing and homes; (2) new housing construction (only if completed by nonprofit groups); and (3) making buildings accessible to the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The following block grant programs are available at the state and local government levels:

Students are awarded an Executive Certificate in Home Modification from the University of Southern California on completion of all four courses. Topics include: introduction to home modifications and prevalence, assessments, funding, accessing community resources, service delivery, techniques for contract negotiations, techniques for raising community awareness, and coalition building and many other lessons in creating healthy, safe, and comfortable communities.

Abilities OT Services, Inc. offers a Health and Wellness Series for professionals and consumers, called "Quality of Life across the Lifespan: Accessibility Consultation, Environmental Modifications and Assistive Technology (AOTS-2000). The training program is a unique, interactive format focusing on the information and skills needed to provide accessibility consultation services. The course covers, among many other topics, Fair Housing legislation, functional and environmental assessment, universal design, home modifications, home safety, third-party billing, and consultation fee structures.

Hundreds of publications are available on housing for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Some are free, some have a nominal cost, and others can be purchased from the publishers. Below are listed a few of the most recent. For additional publications, check the NARIC Search section under "Home Modification" on their web site: http://www.naric.com or call NARIC at 1/800-346-2742.

A Basic Guide to Fair Housing Accessibility: Everything Architects and
Builders Need to Know About the Fair Housing Act Accessibility Guidelines,
Steven Winter Associates, Inc., http://www.swinter.com. Available from
Amazon.com or through the publisher, John Wiley & Sons at 800/225-5945.

(NAHB). Published annually with descriptions of more than 180 commercially available products designed for individuals with disabilities and age-related limitations. (301/249-4000; (http://www.nahbrc.org); Free ($5 S/H.)

NAHB). Outlines a process for remodelers and homeowners to work effectively with each other in assessing clients' needs. Contains an audit form to complete as a home is surveyed for modifications and design solutions to use once the audit is complete. (301/249-4000; (http://www.nahbrc.org)

The Fair Housing Design Manual: A Manual to Assist Designers and Builders in
Meeting the Accessibility Requirements of the Fair Housing Act, 1996.

The Fair Housing Accessibility Requirements: How to Make Them a Marketing
Advantage, 1995.

Financing Home Accessibility Modifications, 1993.

The New Fair Multifamily Housing: A Design Primer to Assist in Understanding
the Accessibility Guidelines of the Fair Housing Act, 1996.

Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants and Landlords under the Fair Housing
Amendments Act, 1995.

A Blueprint for Action: A Resource for Promoting Home Modifications

(August 1997).

The Universal Design File: Designing for People of All Ages and Abilities

.

Proceedings

from the first International Conference on Universal Design (1998).

Universal Design in Housing

(January 1998).

The following publications are free from the RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment, Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access (IDEA), State University of New York (SUNY)/Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, 716/829-3483; 716/829-3256 (Fax); http://www.arch.buffalo.edu/~idea:

Automated Doors: Toward Universal Design

Architectural Barriers to Normalization: The Acoustic Environment of Group Homes

Hyperhome Resource: A Technical Information Manager for Home Modification Services to Older People

Bathing for Older People with Disabilities

Enabling Home Environments: Identifying Barriers to Independence

Enabling Home Environments: Strategies for Aging in Place

The Concept of Universal Design

Additional publications from the RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment, Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access (IDEA):

The following two reports are from the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc., Boston, MA and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, Washington, DC; 617/742-5657; (http://www.tf-housing.htm)

Piecing It All Together in Your Community: Playing The Housing Game: Learning to Use HUD's Consolidated Plan to Expand Housing Opportunities for People with Disabilities

The following videos are available from the RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment, Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access (IDEA), State University of New York (SUNY)/Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, 716/829-3483; 716/829-3256 (Fax); http://www.arch.buffalo.edu/~idea:

The following MS PowerPoint slide presentations, on diskettes, are available from the RERC on Universal Design and the Built Environment, Center for Inclusive Design & Environmental Access (IDEA), State University of New York (SUNY)/Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, 716/829-3483; 716/829-3256 (Fax); http://www.arch.buffalo.edu/~idea:

Universal Design Case Study: Accessible Cabinetry

Universal Design Case Study: Accessible Plumbing

Universal Design Case Study: Home Automation

Universal Design Case Study: Home Modifications

Universal Design Case Study: Accessible Appliances

The RESNA Technical Assistance project is an activity funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (Grant No. H224B020001). The information contained herein does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of NIDRR/ED or RESNA and no official endorsement of the information should be inferred. Produced by the RESNA Technical Assistance Project, 1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540, Arlington, VA 22209. Available in alternative formats.

The National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership is a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Education and RESNA. The grant (Grant #H224B050003; CFDA 84.224B) is funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended and administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education.

This website is developed with grant funds. The information contained on these pages does not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the U.S. Department of Education or the Grantee and no official endorsement of the information should be inferred.